BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to the field of analytical detection of pyrrolidinophenones.
The pyrrolidinophenones, typically classified as a sub-set of the synthetic cathinones
because of their structural similarities, represent a recent class of psychoactive
drug comprising the following structure (also referred to as a 'sub-structure').

[0002] Several pyrrolidinophenones have been described which possess psychoactive properties
including (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentan-1-one (commonly
referred to as 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone or MDPV, molecule 25 of Figure 1) and
(RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)pentan-1-one (commonly referred to as pyrovalerone
or PVP, molecule 7 of Figure 1). Figure 1 lists known pyrrolidinophenones with psychoactive
properties and proposed metabolites. Their ingestion produces feelings of euphoria,
induces intoxication-like behaviour which affects the ability to drive and can result
in death. There is a need to detect pyrrolidinophenones both pre and post ingestion
for toxicological and legal purposes, several molecules of the class being either
illegal or undergoing legal scrutiny in various jurisdictions world-wide. They are
marketed under various guises such as plant food, research chemicals and bath salts
often explicitly warning against human consumption, an approach probably designed
to circumvent statutory restrictions for these substances. Current screening and confirmation
methods use mass-spectrometry (MS) in conjunction with one or more of gas chromatography
(GC), liquid chromatography (LC), nuclear magenetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform
infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to detect MDPV, its metabolites and other pyrrolidinophenones
(e.g.Yohannan and Bozenko 2010; Strano-rossi et al. 2010). These methods are resource
intensive requiring expensive equipment and highly trained staff for their operation.
Furthermore, the high number of known, possibly unknown (i.e. pyrrolidinophenones
being used but yet to be characterised) and future psychoactive pyrrolidinophenone
drugs results in compounds with different MS fragmentation patterns leading to difficulties
and uncertainty with their identification using established methods. Thus what is
required is a simplistic and economical detection method that is able to tackle the
extensive and growing number of psychoactive substances of the pyrrolidinophenone
class.
References
DRAWINGS
[0004]
Figure 1. Table of psychoactive pyrollidinophenones and metabolites (Italicised)
Figure 2. Synthesis of Hapten A
Figure 3. Synthesis of Hapten B
Figure 4. C-13 NMR of Hapten A
Figure 5. C-13 NMR of Hapten B
Figure 6. MDPBP dose-response calibration curve used to determine antibody sensitivity
and specificity to psychoactive pyrrolidinophenones and other psychoactive compounds
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Described herein is the first known immunoassay for the detection of pyrrolidinophenones.
The immunoassay is an inexpensive, relatively simplistic analytical technique. The
invention describes antibodies, derived from novel haptens (pre-immunogenic molecules)
and immunogens, whose binding properties enable the detection of several psychoactive
pyrrolidinophenones. The haptens, before conjugation to a crosslinking group, are
uniquely in possession of a hydroxyl group at the 3-position of the pyrrolidone ring.
This hydroxyl group can be attached, using standard reagents and techniques, initially
to a crosslinking molecule prior to attachment to the antigenicity conferring carrier
material (accm) to form the immunogens of the invention. Also described are novel
methods, kits and uses each comprising antibodies of the invention. What is particularly
surprising and beneficial about this immunoassay is the high number of psychoactive
pyrrolidinophenones of diverse structure that the antibodies are able to bind, providing
for an immunoassay of great scope and utility.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In a first aspect the invention describes haptens and immunogens of Formula I

wherein,
for the haptens n=0; Q is C
1 - C
4 alkyl; X is N, O or S and m=0 or 1; Y is a substituted or unsubstituted C
1 - C
10, more preferably a C
1 - C
6, most preferably a C
1 - C
3 substituted or unsubstituted straight chain alkylene moiety; Z is selected from a
carboxy, a dithiopyridyl, a maleimide, amino, hydroxyl, thiol or an aldehyde moiety,
and for the immunogens n=1; Q is C
1 - C
4 alkyl; X is N, O or S and m=0 or 1; Y is a substituted or unsubstituted C
1 - C
10, more preferably a C
1 - C
6, most preferably a C
1 - C
3 substituted or unsubstituted straight chain alkylene moiety; Z, before connection
to the accm, is selected from a carboxy, a dithiopyridyl, a maleimide, amino, hydroxyl,
thiol or an aldehyde moiety; the accm is an antigenicity-conferring carrier material.
[0007] For both the haptens and immunogens it is preferable that X is O, Y is -C(O)-CH
2-CH
2- , Z is carboxy or amino (for the immunogen, Z is carboxy or amino before connection
to the accm) and Q is preferably a straight chain alkyl most preferably either ethyl
or propyl. The immunogens are prepared by coupling a hapten (a pre-immunogenic molecule)
to an antigenicity-conferring carrier material (accm) usually by way of a crosslinker.
The accm and the crosslinkers are standard reagents in the field of antibody development.
The accm comprises polyamino acid segments and is preferably bovine thyroglobulin
(BTG), bovine serum albumin (BSA) or keyhole limpit haemocyanin (KLH). Alternatively,
if it has a suitable functional group, the hapten may be attached directly to the
accm without the use of a crosslinker. An example of a crosslinker described herein
is succinic anhydride, activated by N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide.
[0008] A second aspect of the invention is antibodies raised to immunogens of Formula I,
the antibodies being capable of binding to at least one structural epitope of a molecule
of Formula II

wherein
Q
1 is C
1 - C
4 alkyl; R
3 is -CH
2- or -C(O)- ; R
1 and R
2 are H, C
1 - C
4 alkyl,C
1 - C
4 alkoxy, hydroxy substituted C
1 - C
4 alkyl, carboxy or hydroxyl, or together form substituted or unsubstituted

to form a fused bicyclic ring with the benzene ring. In preferred embodiments the
at least one structural epitope of Formula II bound by the antibodies are when the
fused bicyclic ring is unsubstituted, Q
1 is methyl, ethyl or propyl and R
3 is -CH
2- . The antibodies are obtained using standard methods; immunogens of the invention
are administered to a non-human mammalian host, preferably a sheep, to elicit antibody
production after which harvested polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are used to develop
immunoassays. Other suitable immunoglobulin-derived molecules such as short-chain
or single chain variable fragments are readily applied alternatives known to the skilled
person. Examples of pyrrolidinophenones which are bound by the antibodies of the invention
are shown in Figure 1. In a preferred embodiment the antibodies of the invention are
able to bind to at least one structural epitope of the molecules (RS)-1-( benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone
(common name MDPBP), (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone (common name
naphyrone), (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone
or (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone (common name MDPPP);
all five drugs incorporate Structure I in their molecular structure. It is known in
the art that for two different molecules to be able to independently bind to a particular
protein their structures must be similar; any substantial deviation in structure results
in a molecule with a markedly reduced affinity for the protein. This imposes a limit
on the number of molecules that have substantial binding affinity for a particular
protein. The pyrrolidinophenones are thought to bind to the monoamine transporter
proteins for serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, increasing the concentration of
amines in the central nervous system resulting in stimulatory and hallucinogenic effects.
Currently known psychoactive pyrrolidinophenones are listed in Figure 1.
[0009] A further aspect of the invention is a method of detecting or determining one or
more pyrrolidinophenones in an in vitro sample comprising a substance (the substance
optionally having been pre-treated to attain a suitable state for analysis) the method
comprising contacting the sample with at least one detecting agent and at least one
antibody of the invention; detecting or determining the detecting agent(s); and deducing
from a calibration curve the presence of, or amount of, pyrrolidinophenones in the
sample.
[0010] Preferably the pyrrolidinophenones to be detected or determined are listed in Figure
1; most preferably the one or more pyrrolidinophenones to be detected or determined
is/are (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone,
(RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone
and (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone. The detecting
agent comprises a suitable hapten, preferably the haptens disclosed herein, covalently
bonded to a detectable labelling agent, the hapten moiety being able to bind to the
antibodies of the invention. Preferably, the labelling agent is selected from an enzyme,
a luminescent substance, a radioactive substance, or a mixture thereof. More preferably,
the labelling agent is an enzyme, preferably a peroxidase, most preferably horseradish
peroxidise (HRP). Detecting implies qualitatively analyzing for the presence or absence
of a substance; determining means quantitatively analyzing the amount of substance.
As the antibodies are able to bind to several molecules, quantitative analysis will
take the form of measuring the calibrator-equivalent amount. The main use of the pyrrolidinophenone
immunoassay described herein, as with most immunoassays, is perceived to be as a screening
tool in which target molecules are detected and subsequently identified using mass-spectrometry
based methods. Any suitable in vitro biological sample may be used, but blood and
urine are preferred.
[0011] A further aspect of the invention is a compound of Formula III

in which X is NH
2, OH or SH and Q is C
1 - C
4 alkyl.
In preferred embodiments X is OH and Q is ethyl or propyl. It is also preferable that
the asymmetric carbon atom of the heterocyclic ring of Formula III is stereospecifically
of the R configuration. Compounds of Formula III are representative haptenic intermediate
molecules which can be conjugated to crosslinking reagents prior to immunogen formation.
[0012] Another aspect of the invention is a kit for detecting or determining pyrrolidinophenones
the kit comprising at least one antibody of the invention. The kit preferably detects
or determines one or more pyrrolidinophenones listed in Figure 1. Most preferably
the kit detects or determines (RS)-1-( benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone,
(RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone,
(RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone and (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
The kit may comprise one or more antibodies of the invention and one or more additional
antibodies with different molecular specificities i.e. these additional antibodies
do not bind to the same structural epitopes as the antibodies of the invention. Such
an arrangement enables a multiplex approach to the detection or determination of drugs
of abuse. The multiplex approach preferably makes use of a planar substrate to which
the antibodies are attached, such as a ceramic chip or an appropriately surface-modified
glass slide. Beads may also be used as a substrate in a singleplex or multiplex approach.
General Methods, Examples and Results
Preparation of Haptens, Immunogens and Detecting Agents
[0013] Although haptens provide defined structural epitopes, they are not in themselves
immunogenic and therefore need to be conjugated to an antigenicity conferring carrier
material (accm) which will elicit an immunogenic response when administered to a host
animal. Appropriate accms commonly contain poly(amino acid) segments and include polypeptides,
proteins and protein fragments. Illustrative examples of useful carrier materials
are bovine serum albumin (BSA), egg ovalbumin, bovine gamma globulin, BTG, keyhole
limpet haemocyanin (KLH) etc. Alternatively, synthetic poly(amino acids) having a
sufficient number of available amino groups, such as lysine, may be employed, as may
other synthetic or natural polymeric materials bearing reactive functional groups.
Also, carbohydrates, yeasts or polysaccharides may be conjugated to the hapten to
produce an immunogen. The haptens can also be coupled to a detectable labelling agent
such as an enzyme (for example, horseradish peroxidase), a substance having fluorescent
properties or a radioactive label for the preparation of detecting agents for use
in the immunoassays. The fluorescent substance may be, for example, a monovalent residue
of fluorescein or a derivative thereof. Immunogen formation for the invention described
herein involves conventional conjugation chemistry. In order to confirm that adequate
conjugation of hapten to carrier material has been achieved, prior to immunisation,
each immunogen is evaluated using matrix-assisted UV laser desorption /ionisation
time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS).
General Procedure for MALDI-TOF Analysis of Immunogens
[0014] MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry was performed using a Voyager STR Biospectrometry Research
Station laser-desorption mass spectrometer coupled with delayed extraction. An aliquot
of each sample to be analysed was diluted in 0.1% aqueous trifluoroacetic acid (TFA)
to create 1mg/ml sample solutions. Aliquots (1µl) were analysed using a matrix of
sinapinic acid and bovine serum albumin (Fluka) was used as an external calibrant.
Preparation of Antisera
[0015] In order to generate polyclonal antisera, an immunogen of the present invention is
mixed with Freund's adjuvant and the mixture is injected into a host animal, such
as rabbit, sheep, mouse, guinea pig or horse. Sheep are the preferred host animal.
Further injections (boosts) are made and serum is sampled for evaluation of the antibody
titre. When the optimal titre has been attained, the host animal is bled to yield
a suitable volume of specific antiserum. The degree of antibody purification required
depends on the intended application. For many purposes, there is no requirement for
purification, however, in other cases, such as where the antibody is to be immobilised
on a solid support, purification steps can be taken to remove undesired material and
eliminate non-specific binding.
Immunoassay Development
[0016] The process of developing an immunoassay is well known to the person skilled in the
art. Briefly, for a competitive immunoassay in which the target analyte is a non-immunogenic
molecule such as a hapten, the following process is conducted: antibodies are produced
by immunising an animal, preferably a mammalian animal, by repeated administration
of an immunogen. The serum from the immunised animal is collected when the antibody
titre is sufficiently high. A detecting agent is added to a sample containing the
target analyte and the raised antibodies, and the detecting agent and analyte compete
for binding to the antibodies. The process may comprise fixing said serum antibodies
to a backing substrate such as a polystyrene solid support or a ceramic chip. The
antibodies can be polyclonal or monoclonal using standard techniques. The signal emitted
in the immunoassay is proportionate to the amount of detecting agent bound to the
antibodies which in turn is inversely proportionate to the analyte concentration.
The signal can be detected or quantified by comparison with a calibrator.
Examples
Example 1: Synthesis of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-bromobutanone
[0017] To a solution of 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)butanone (25g, 0.13 mole) in acetic
acid (100ml) was added dropwise a solution of bromine (21.8g, 0.137 mole) in acetic
acid (100ml). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for two hours.
Acetic acid was removed under high vacuum. Water (200ml) was added to the mixture
and the solution was extracted with dichloromethane (2x200m1). The combined organic
layers were washed with saturated NaHCO
3 solution (100ml), water (100ml) and brine (100ml). The dichloromethane solution was
dried over Na
2SO
4, filtered and concentrated to dryness under vacuum. The crude product obtained was
purified by chromatography on silica gel using 5% ethyl acetate in hexane to give
the title compound (29.6g, 84%).
Example 2: Synthesis of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-((R)-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)
butanone
[0018] To a solution (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-bromobutanone (7.92g, 27.8mmol)
in acetonitrile (100ml) was added potassium carbonate (7.93g, 57.4mmol) and (R)-(+)-3-pyrrolidinol
(5.0g, 57.4mmol) and the mixture stirred under nitrogen overnight at room temperature.
The mixture was filtered and the solution evaporated to dryness. The crude obtained
was purified by chromatography on silica gel using 50% ethyl acetate in hexane to
give the title compound as a brown oil (5.5g, 69.2%).
Example 3: Synthesis of Hapten-A
[0019] To a solution of 1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-((R)-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone
(4.5g, 16.25mmol) in anhydrous pyridine (100ml) was added succinic anhydride (3.25g,
32.5mmol) and the mixture stirred overnight at room temperature. The pyridine was
removed under high vacuum and the dark brown crude obtained purified by chromatography
on silica gel using 20% methanol in chloroform to give Hapten - A (Figure 2) as a
light tan oil (5.95g, 97.1%).
Example 4: Conjugation of Hapten-A to BSA (Immunogen I)
[0020] To a solution of Hapten-A (42.62mg, 0.113mmol) in DMF (1.0ml) was added N, N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
(DCC) (25.64mg, 0.125mmol) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (14.3mg, 0.16mM) and the mixture
stirred at room temperature overnight. The dicyclohexylurea formed was removed by
filtration and the solution was added dropwise to a solution of BSA (150mg, 2.3µmol)
in 50mM sodium bicarbonate solution (pH 8.5) (10ml). The mixture was then stirred
overnight at 4°C. The solution was dialysed against 50mM phosphate buffer pH 7.2 (3
changes) for 24 hours at 4°C, and freeze-dried to give Immunogen I.
MALDI results showed 16.58 molecules of Hapten-A had been conjugated to one molecule
of BSA.
Example 5: Conjugation of Hapten-A to BTG (Immunogen II)
[0021] To a solution of Hapten-A (50.94mg, 0.135mmol) in DMF (1.0ml) was added N, N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
(DCC) (30.64mg, 0.150mmol) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (17.1mg, 0.15mmol) and the mixture
stirred at room temperature overnight. The dicyclohexylurea formed was removed by
filtration and the solution was added dropwise to a solution of BTG (150mg, 2.25 µmol)
in 50mM sodium bicarbonate solution (pH 8.5) (10ml). The mixture was then stirred
overnight at 4°C. The solution was dialysed against 50mM phosphate buffer pH 7.2 (3
changes) for 24 hours at 4°C, and freeze-dried to give Immunogen II.
Example 6: Conjugation of Hapten-A to HRP
[0022] EDC hydrochloride (10mg) was dissolved in water (0.5ml) and immediately added to
a solution of hapten -A (2mg) in DMF (0.2ml). After mixing, the solution was added
dropwise to a solution of HRP (20mg) in water (1ml). Sulfo-NHS (5mg) was added and
the reaction mixture incubated in the dark at room temperature overnight. Excess hapten
was removed with double PD-10 columns (Pharmacia) in series, pre-equilibrated with
PBS at pH 7.2. The hapten-HRP conjugate was then dialysed overnight against 10L of
PBS at pH 7.2 at 4°C.
Example 7: Synthesis of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-bromopentanone
[0023] To a solution of 1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)pentanone (25g, 0.12 mole) in acetic
acid (100ml) was added dropwise a solution of bromine (25.2g, 0.158 mole) in acetic
acid (100ml). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature for two hours.
Acetic acid was removed under high vacuum. Water (200ml) was added to the mixture
and the solution extracted with dichloromethane (2x200ml). The combined organic layers
were washed with saturated NaHCO
3 solution (100ml), water (100ml) and brine (100ml). The dichloromethane solution was
dried over Na
2SO
4, filtered and concentrated to dryness under vacuum. The crude product obtained was
purified by chromatography on silica gel using 5% ethyl acetate in hexane to give
the title compound (30.5g, 89%).
Example 8: Synthesis of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-((R)-3-hydroxpyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone
[0024] To a solution (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-bromopentanone (10.0g, 35.07mmol)
in acetonitrile (100ml) was added potassium carbonate (10.0g, 72.41mmol) and (R)-(+)-3-pyrrolidinol
(6.3g, 72.4mmol) and the mixture stirred under nitrogen overnight at room temperature.
The mixture was then filtered and the solution evaporated to dryness. The crude obtained
was purified by chromatography on silica gel using 50% ethyl acetate in hexane to
give the title compound as a brown foamy solid (6.1g, 60.0%).
Example 9: Synthesis of Hapten-B
[0025] To a solution of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-((R)-3-hydroxypyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone
(5.8g, 20.0mmol) in anhydrous pyridine (100ml) was added succinic anhydride (3.0g,
30.0mmol) and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The pyridine
was removed under high vacuum and the dark brown crude obtained was purified by chromatography
on silica gel using 20% methanol in chloroform to give the pure Hapten-B as a tan
solid (5.3g, 68.0%).
Example 10: Conjugation of Hapten-B to BSA (Immunogen-III)
[0026] To a solution of Hapten-B (35.22mg, 0.09mmol) in DMF (1.0ml) was added N, N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
(DCC) (20.42mg, 0.099mmol) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (11.39mg, 0.099mmol) and the mixture
was stirred at room temperature overnight. The dicyclohexylurea formed was removed
by filtration and the solution was added dropwise to a solution of BSA (150mg, 2.3µmol)
in 50mM sodium bicarbonate solution (pH 8.5) (10ml). The mixture was then stirred
overnight at 4°C. The solution was dialysed against 50mM phosphate buffer pH 7.2 (3
changes) for 24 hours at 4°C, and freeze-dried to give Immunogen-III. MALDI results
showed 19.63 molecules of Hapten-B had been conjugated to one molecule of BSA.
Example 11: Conjugation of Hapten-B to BTG (Immunogen-IV)
[0027] To a solution of Hapten - B (44.22mg, 0.113mmol) in DMF (1.0ml) was added N, N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide
(DCC) (25.64mg, 0.13mmol) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (14.7mg, 0.13mmol) and the mixture
was stirred at room temperature overnight. The dicyclohexylurea formed was removed
by filtration and the solution was added dropwise to a solution of BTG (150mg, 2.25µmol)
in 50mM sodium bicarbonate solution (pH 8.5) (10ml). The mixture was then stirred
overnight at 4°C. The solution was dialysed against 50mM phosphate buffer pH 7.2 (3
changes) for 24 hours at 4°C, and freeze-dried to give Immunogen-IV.
Example 12: Conjugation of Hapten-B to HRP
[0028] EDC hydrochloride (10mg) was dissolved in water (0.5ml) and immediately added to
a solution of hapten -B (2mg) in DMF (0.2ml). After mixing, this solution was added
dropwise to a solution of HRP (20mg) in water (1ml). Sulfo-NHS (5mg) was added and
the reaction mixture was incubated in the dark at room temperature overnight. Excess
hapten was removed with double PD-10 columns (Pharmacia) in series, pre-equilibrated
with PBS at pH 7.2. The hapten-HRP conjugate was then dialysed overnight against 10L
of PBS at pH 7.2 at 4° C.
Example 13: Immunoassay of pyrrolidinophenones and selected molecules
[0029] A semi-automated Evidence Investigator analyser (Randox Laboratories Ltd., Crumlin,
UK) was used as the platform for a biochip assay for the detection of pyrrolidinophenones.
Immunogen IV was administered to adult sheep on a monthly basis to provide target-specific
polyclonal antisera. IgG was extracted from the antisera, and the purified antibody
was immobilised on a biochip (9mm x 9mm). The assay is based on competition for binding
sites of a polyclonal antibody between Hapten-A conjugate (Example 6) and pyrrolidinophenones
and potential cross-reactants. The antibody was immobilised and stabilised onto the
biochip surface as previously described (Fitzgerald et al., 2005). Assay diluent (155µL),
calibrator/pyrrolidinophenone or potential cross-reactant (25µL) followed by Hapten-A
conjugate (120µL) were added to the appropriate biochip. The biochips were then incubated
for 30 minutes at 30°C on a thermoshaker set at 370 rpm. The biochips were then subjected
to 2 quick wash cycles using the wash buffer provided, followed by 4 x 2 minute wash
cycles. 250µL of signal (1:1 luminol + peroxide, v/v) was then added to each biochip,
and after 2 minutes the biochip carrier was imaged in the Evidence Investigator analyser.
Calibration curves were generated and these were used to determine the sensitivity
and specificity of the immunoassay for pyrrolidinophenones and potential cross-reactants.
The results of this study are presented in Table 1, cross-reactivity being calculated
according to the following formula:

where %CR is the percentage cross-reactivity, IC
50 MDPBP is the concentration of MDPBP which causes 50% displacement of signal and IC
50 CR is the concentration of pyrrolidinophenone/potential cross-reactant that causes 50%
displacement of signal.
Chemicals
[0030] MDPBP HCl, MDPV HCl, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone HCl, naphyrone
HCL, and MDPPP HCl were obtained from the Australian Government National Measurement
Institute (LGC stds); MDMA and MDA were obtained from Cerilliant; amphetamine, methamphetamine
HCl and JWH-018 were obtained from Sigma Chemicals; mescaline HCl and (+)-pseudoephedrine
were obtained from Sigma Aldrich; MDMA and MDA were obtained from Cerilliant; 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine
was obtained from Alfa Aesar; salvinorin A and 1-benzylpiperazine were obtained from
Aaron Chemistry; JWH-250 was obtained from Cayman Chemicals; mephedrone HCl was synthesised
at Randox Laboratories.
Results
[0031]
Table 1 Cross-reactivity results for pyrrolidinophenones and potential cross-reactants (IC
50 of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone is 27 ng/ml)
| Substance |
% Cross-Reactivity |
| (RS)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone HCl |
192 |
| (RS)-1-(2-Naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone HCl |
44 |
| (RS)-1-(4-Methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone HCl |
34 |
| (RS)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone HCl |
100 |
| (RS)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone HCl |
12 |
| (RS)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-N-methylpropan-2-amine (MDMA) |
<1 |
| D-Amphetamine |
<1 |
| (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)propan-2-amine (MDA) |
<1 |
| Methamphetamine HCl |
<1 |
| Mescaline HCl |
<1 |
| (+)-Pseudoephedrine HCl |
<1 |
| Salvinorin A |
<1 |
| JWH-018 |
<1 |
| JWH-250 |
<1 |
| 1-Benzylpiperazine |
<1 |
| 1-(3-Chlorophenyl)piperazine HCl |
<1 |
| Mephedrone HCl |
<1 |
[0032] The data in Table 1 confirms that antibodies of the invention bind to pyrrolidinophenones
incorporating the sub-structure depicted in Structure I while not binding to molecules
lacking this sub-structure.
Table 2 Further cross-reactivity results for pyrrolidinophenones and potential cross-reactants
| Compound |
% Cross-reactivity |
| (RS)-1-(Benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone HCl |
100 |
| (RS)-1-(4-Methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexanone HCl |
48.4 |
| Pyrovalerone HCl |
44.4 |
| Pentylone HCl |
17.4 |
| Butylone HCl |
11.4 |
| Pentedrone HCl |
< 1 |
| Methylone HCl |
< 1 |
| Nor-mephedrone HCl |
< 1 |
| 1-Phenyl-2(1-pyrrolidinyl)ethanone |
< 1 |
| 1,2 Dihydroxybenzene (Catechol) |
< 1 |
| N,N-diallyl-5-methoxytryptamine (5-MeO-DALT) |
< 1 |
| Dihydroxymephedrone HCl |
< 1 |
| Flephedrone HCl |
< 1 |
| Prolatine |
< 1 |
| Heroin |
< 1 |
| Acetaminophen |
< 1 |
| Buprenorphine |
< 1 |
| Bupropion HCl |
< 1 |
| 1-Benzyl-4-methylpiperazine HCl monohydrate |
< 1 |
| BZG |
< 1 |
| (-)-Cotinine |
< 1 |
| Dextromethorphan hydrobromide monohydrate |
< 1 |
| Diethylpropion HCl |
< 1 |
| Ethyl-glucuronide |
< 1 |
| Fentanyl |
< 1 |
| Fluoxetine HCl |
< 1 |
| 7-NH Flunitrazepam |
< 1 |
| Haloperidol |
< 1 |
| Hydrocodone |
< 1 |
| Hydromorphone |
< 1 |
| Ibuprofen |
< 1 |
| Indole-3-carboxylic acid |
< 1 |
| Lorazepam |
< 1 |
| LSD |
< 1 |
| Meprobamate |
< 1 |
| Methadone |
< 1 |
| Methaqualone |
< 1 |
| Methylphenidate HCl |
< 1 |
| Morphine sulphate |
< 1 |
| (-)-Nicotine |
< 1 |
| (+)-Norpropoxyphene maleate |
< 1 |
| (±)-Norketamine HCl |
< 1 |
| Norescitalopram |
< 1 |
| Normeperidine |
< 1 |
| Nortriptyline HCl |
< 1 |
| Oxazepam |
< 1 |
| Oxycodone |
< 1 |
| 1-(1-phenylcyclohexyl)piperidine) HCl (PCP HCl) |
< 1 |
| Phenobarbital |
< 1 |
| Phenethylamine sulphate |
< 1 |
| Psilocin |
< 1 |
| Salicylic acid |
< 1 |
| Salicyluric acid |
< 1 |
| Sertraline HCl |
< 1 |
| (-)-11-nor-9-Carboxy-delta9-THC |
< 1 |
| (-)-Delta9-THC |
< 1 |
| Tramadol HCl |
< 1 |
| Trazadone HCl |
< 1 |
| (+/-)-3,4,5-Trimethoxyamphetamine hydrochloride (TMA) |
< 1 |
| Urochloralic acid |
< 1 |
| Zaleplon |
< 1 |
| Zolpidem tartrate |
< 1 |
| Zopiclone |
< 1 |
[0033] The antibodies of the invention are also able to bind to an epitope of molecules
of Formula IV in which R
1 and R
2 are independently methyl, ethyl or propyl. Two such molecules are butylone and pentylone
(Table 2).

[0034] The invention further describes a kit comprising antibodies of the invention, the
kit used to detect or determine molecules comprising either Formula II or Formula
IV; preferably the kit is used to detect one or more of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone,
(RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone,
(RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone,
(RS)-1-(4-Methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexanone, pyrovalerone, butylone and pentylone;
1. A hapten or immunogen of formula I

wherein,
for the hapten n=0; Q is C
1 - C
4 alkyl; X is N, O or S and m=0 or 1; Y is a substituted or unsubstituted C
1 - C
10, more preferably a C
1 - C
6, most preferably a C
1 - C
3 substituted or unsubstituted straight chain alkylene moiety; Z is selected from a
carboxy, a dithiopyridyl, a maleimide, amino, hydroxyl, thiol or an aldehyde moiety;
for the immunogen n=1; Q is C
1 - C
4 alkyl; X is N, O or S and m=0 or 1; Y is a substituted or unsubstituted C
1 - C
10, more preferably a C
1 - C
6, most preferably a C
1 - C
3 substituted or unsubstituted straight chain alkylene moiety; Z, before connection
to the accm, is selected from a carboxy, a dithiopyridyl, a maleimide, amino, hydroxyl,
thiol or an aldehyde moiety; the accm is an antigenicity-conferring carrier material
comprising poly(amino acid) segments.
2. The hapten or immunogen of Claim 1 in which for the hapten X is O, Y is -C(O)-CH2-CH2-, Z is carboxy or amino and Q is ethyl or propyl; and for the immunogen X is O, Y
is -C(O)-CH2-CH2-, Z is carboxy or amino, Q is ethyl or propyl and the accm is BTG, BSA or KLH.
3. An antibody raised to an immunogen of either of the preceding claims the antibody
further
characterised by being able to bind to at least one structural epitope of a molecule of formula II

wherein Q
1 is C
1 - C
4 alkyl; R
3 is -CH
2- or -C(O)- ; R
1 and R
2 are H, C
1 - C
4 alkyl, C
1 - C
4 alkoxy, hydroxy substituted C
1 - C
4 alkyl, carboxy or hydroxyl, or together form substituted or unsubstituted
4. The antibody of Claim 3 which is able to bind to at least one structural epitope of
any of the molecules (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone or (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
5. A method of detecting or determining one or more pyrrolidinophenones in an in vitro sample the method comprising contacting the sample with at least one detecting agent
and at least one antibody of either of claims 3 or 4; detecting or determining the
detecting agent(s); and deducing from a calibration curve the presence of, or amount
of, pyrrolidinophenones in the sample.
6. The method of Claim 5 in which the pyrrolidinophenones to be detected or determined
are one or more of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone,
(RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-41-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone and (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
7. A compound of formula III

in which X is NH
2, OH or SH and Q is C
1 - C
4 alkyl.
8. The compound of Claim 7 in which X is OH and Q is ethyl or propyl.
9. A kit for detecting or determining pyrrolidinophenones the kit comprising at least
one antibody of either of claims 3 or 4.
10. The kit of Claim 9 which detects or determines one or more of (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone and
(RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
11. An antibody raised to an immunogen of either of Claims 1 or 2 the antibody further
characterized by being able to bind to at least one structural epitope of a molecule of formula IV
wherein R
1 and R
2 are independently methyl, ethyl or propyl.
12. The antibody of Claim 11 in which R2 is methyl and R1 is methyl or ethyl.
13. A kit for detecting or determining molecules comprising structures of either formula
II of Claim 3 or formula IV of Claim 11 the kit comprising at least one antibody derived
from an immunogen of either of Claims 1 or 2.
14. The kit of Claim 13 for detecting or determining at least one or more of (RS)-1-( benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone, (RS)-1-(4-Methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexanone, pyrovalerone, butylone and pentylone.
1. Hapten oder Immunogen mit der Formel I

wobei
für das Hapten n=0 ist; Q C
1-C
4-Alkyl ist; X N, O oder S ist und m=0 oder 1 ist; Y ein substituierter oder unsubstituierter
C
1-C
10-, stärker bevorzugt ein C
1-C
6-, am stärksten bevorzugt ein C
1-C
3-substituierter oder unsubstituierter geradkettiger Alkylenanteil ist; Z ausgewählt
ist aus einem Carboxy-, Dithiopyridyl-, Maleimid-, Amino-, Hydroxyl-, Thiol- oder
einem Aldehydanteil;
für das Immunogen n=1 ist; Q C
1-C
4-Alkyl ist; X N, O oder S ist und m=0 oder 1 ist; Y ein substituierter oder unsubstituierter
C
1-C
10-, stärker bevorzugt ein C
1-C
6-, am stärksten bevorzugt ein C
1-C
3-substituierter oder unsubstituierter geradkettiger Alkylenanteil ist; Z vor der Bindung
an das accm ausgewählt ist aus einer Gruppe bestehend aus einem Carboxy-, Dithiopyridyl-,
Maleimid-, Amino-, Hydroxyl-, Thiol- oder einem Aldehydanteil; und das accm ein Antigenität
verleihendes Trägermaterial ist, das Poly(Aminosäure)-Segmente umfasst.
2. Hapten oder Immunogen nach Anspruch 1 in wobei für das Hapten X O ist, Y - C(O)-CH2-CH2- ist, Z Carboxy oder Amino ist und Q Ethyl oder Propyl ist; und für das Immunogen
X O ist, Y -C(O)-CH2-CH2- ist, Z Carboxy oder Amino ist, Q Ethyl oder Propyl ist und das accm BTG, BSA oder
KLH ist.
3. Antikörper gegen ein Immunogen nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der
Antikörper ferner
dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass er sich an wenigstens ein strukturelles Epitop eines Moleküls mit der Formel II binden
kann

wobei Q
1 C
1-C
4-Alkyl ist; R
3 -CH
2- oder -C(O)- ist; R
1 und R
2 jeweils H, C
1-C
4-Alkyl, C
1-C
4-Alkoxy, hydroxysubstituiertes C
1-C
4-Alkyl, Carboxy oder Hydroxyl sind, oder gemeinsam substituiertes oder unsubstituiertes

ausbilden.
4. Antikörper nach Anspruch 3, der in der Lage ist, sich an wenigstens ein strukturelles
Epitop eines der Moleküle (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon,
(RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon oder (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanon zu binden.
5. Verfahren zum Erfassen oder Bestimmen eines oder mehrerer Pyrrolidinophenone in einer
Probe in vitro, wobei das Verfahren Folgendes umfasst: In-Berührung-Bringen der Probe mit wenigstens
einem Prüfmittel und wenigstens einem Antikörper nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 4;
Erfassen oder Bestimmen des / der Prüfmittel(s); und Ableiten der Anwesenheit oder
der Menge von Pyrrolidinophenonen in der Probe aus einer Kalibrierungskurve.
6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 5, in dem die zu ermittelnden oder zu bestimmenden Pyrrolidinophenone
eines oder mehrere der Folgenden sind: (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon,
(RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon und (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanon.
7. Verbindung mit der Formel III

in der X NH
2, OH oder SH ist und Q C
1-C
4-Alkyl ist.
8. Verbindung nach Anspruch 7 in der X OH ist und Q Ethyl oder Propyl ist.
9. Kit zum Erfassen oder zum Bestimmen von Pyrrolidinophenonen, wobei das Kit wenigstens
einen Antikörper nach einem der Ansprüche 3 oder 4 aufweist.
10. Kit nach Anspruch 9, welches eines oder mehrere der Folgenden erfasst oder bestimmt:
(RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon und (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanon.
11. Antikörper gegen ein Immunogen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 und 2, wobei der Antikörper
ferner
dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass er sich an wenigstens ein strukturelles Epitop eines Moleküls mit der Formel IV bindet,
wobei R
1 und R
2 unabhängig voneinander Methyl, Ethyl oder Propyl sind.
12. Antikörper nach Anspruch 11, in dem R2 Methyl ist und R1 Methyl oder Ethyl ist.
13. Kit zum Erfassen oder Bestimmen von Molekülen, die Strukturen mit der Formel II aus
Anspruch 3 oder der Formel IV aus Anspruch 11 umfassen, wobei das Kit wenigstens einen
Antikörper umfasst, der aus einem Immunogen nach einem der Ansprüche 1 und 2 abgeleitet
ist.
14. Kit nach Anspruch 13 zum Erfassen oder Bestimmen wenigstens eines oder mehrerer der
Folgenden: (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(2-naphthyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon,
(RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanon, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanon, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanon, (RS)-1-(4-methylphenyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexanon, Pyrovaleron, Butylon und Pentylon.
1. Haptène ou immunogène de formule I

où
pour l'haptène n = 0 ; Q est un groupe alkyle en C
1 à C
4 ; X est N, O ou S et m = 0 ou 1 ; Y est un fragment alkylène à chaîne linéaire substitué
ou non substitué en C
1 à C
10, plus préférablement en C
1 à C
6, le plus préférablement en C
1 à C
3 ; Z est choisi parmi un fragment carboxy, dithiopyridyle, maléimide, amino, hydroxyle,
thiol ou aldéhyde ; pour l'immunogène n = 1 ; Q est un groupe alkyle en C
1 à C
4 ; X est N, O ou S et m = 0 ou 1 ; Y est un fragment alkylène à chaîne linéaire substitué
ou non substitué en C
1 à C
10, plus préférablement en C
1 à C
6, le plus préférablement en C
1 à C
3 ; Z, avant d'être relié à l'accm, est choisi parmi un fragment carboxy, dithiopyridyle,
maléimide, amino, hydroxyle, thiol ou aldéhyde ; l'accm est un matériau vecteur conférant
une antigénicité comprenant des segments poly(acides aminés).
2. Haptène ou immunogène selon la revendication 1, où, pour l'haptène, X est O, Y est
-C(O)-CH2-CH2-, Z est un groupe carboxy ou amino et Q est un groupe éthyle ou propyle ; et pour
l'immunogène, X est O, Y est -C(O)-CH2-CH2-, Z est un groupe carboxy ou amino, Q est un groupe éthyle ou propyle et l'accm est
BTG, BSA ou KLH.
3. Anticorps dirigé contre un immunogène selon l'une des revendications précédentes,
l'anticorps étant en outre
caractérisé en ce qu'il est capable de se lier à au moins un épitope structurel d'une molécule de formule
II

où Q
1 est un groupe alkyle en C
1 à C
4 ; R
3 est -CH
2- ou -C(O)- ; R
1 et R
2 sont H, un groupe alkyle en C
1 à C
4, un groupe alcoxy en C
1 à C
4, un groupe alkyle en C
1 à C
4 substitué par un groupe hydroxy, un groupe carboxy ou un groupe hydroxyle, ou forment
conjointement des groupes substitués ou non substitués.
4. Anticorps selon la revendication 3, qui est capable de se lier à au moins un épitope
structurel de l'une quelconque des molécules (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphtyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-méthylphényl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone,
(RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone ou (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
5. Procédé de détection ou de détermination d'une ou de plusieurs pyrrolidinophénones
dans un échantillon in vitro, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à mettre en contact l'échantillon avec
au moins un agent de détection et au moins un anticorps selon l'une des revendications
3 ou 4 ; détecter ou déterminer le ou les agent(s) de détection ; et déduire d'après
une courbe d'étalonnage la présence ou la quantité de pyrrolidinophénones dans l'échantillon.
6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, où les pyrrolidinophénones à détecter ou à déterminer
sont une ou plusieurs de la (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphtyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-méthylphényl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone et (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
7. Composé de formule III

où X est NH
2, OH ou SH et Q est un groupe alkyle en C
1 à C
4.
8. Composé selon la revendication 7, où X est OH et Q est un groupe éthyle ou propyle.
9. Kit de détection ou de détermination de pyrrolidinophénones, le kit comprenant au
moins un anticorps selon l'une des revendications 3 ou 4.
10. Kit selon la revendication 9, qui permet de détecter ou de déterminer une ou plusieurs
de la (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphtyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-méthylphényl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone et RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone.
11. Anticorps dirigé contre un immunogène selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2, l'anticorps
étant en outre
caractérisé en ce qu'il est capable de se lier à au moins un épitope structurel d'une molécule de formule
IV, où R
1 et R
2 sont indépendamment un groupe méthyle, éthyle ou propyle.
12. Anticorps selon la revendication 11, où R2 est un groupe méthyle et R1 est un groupe méthyle ou éthyle.
13. Kit de détection ou de détermination de molécules comprenant des structures de formule
II selon la revendication 3 ou de formule IV selon la revendication 11, le kit comprenant
au moins un anticorps dérivé d'un immunogène selon l'une des revendications 1 ou 2.
14. Kit selon la revendication 13, qui permet de détecter ou de déterminer une ou plusieurs
de la (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(2-naphtyl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(4-méthylphényl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)pentanone, (RS)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propanone, (RS)-1-(4-méthylphényl)-2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)hexanone,
pyrovalérone, butylone et pentylone.